Proof.- (23:1) A mode exists in something else, through which it must be
conceived ([D.v] ), that is ([xv] ), it exists solely in God, and solely
through God can be conceived. (2) If, therefore, a mode is conceived as
necessarily existing and infinite, it must necessarily be inferred or
perceived through some attribute of God, in so far as such attribute is
conceived as expressing the infinity and necessity of existence, in other
words (Def. viii.) eternity; that is, in so far as it is considered
absolutely. (3) A mode, therefore, which necessarily exists as infinite,
must follow from the absolute nature of some attribute of God, either
immediately ([xxi] ) or through the means of some modification, which
follows from the absolute nature of the said attribute; that is
(by [xxii] ), which exists necessarily and as infinite.
PROP. [XXIV] The essence of things produced by God does not
involve existence.
Proof.- (24:1) This proposition is evident from ([D.i] ). (2) For that
of which the nature (considered in itself) involves existence is self-
caused, and exists by the sole necessity of its own nature.
Corollary.- (24:3) Hence it follows that God is not only the cause of
things coming into existence, but also of their continuing in existence,
that is, in scholastic phraseology, God is cause of the being of things
(essendi rerum).
Pages:
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46